Half of a Reliquary Pendant Cross

Unknown

11th century · Copper alloy · Medieval Art

Copper alloy reliquary crosses were popular in the Orthodox world in the Byzantine and post Byzantine centuries. They were composed of two halves joined by a hinge. Here the surviving side of such a reliquary presents the Virgin standing in the orant prayer pose with hands upraised at the center of the cross. On the ends of the arms are medallions with busts of the four evangelists holding their gospels.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Ronald R. Atkins, Esq., 2018